Creating & Sustaining Healthy Habits

According to the author of The Power of Habit, Charles Duhigg states that a habit is a behavior that starts as a choice, and then becomes a nearly unconscious pattern. The behavior has become a habit. Every habit – no matter how simple or complex – has the same structure, which we call the “habit loop.” There is a cue, a trigger that tells your brain to go into automatic mode.

Using knowledge from Mr. Duhigg and author of Atomic Habits James Clear, here are steps towards habit awareness and change:

• Finding your WHY
• Your identity
• Assessing your habits
• Creating new habits through small daily changes (the 4 laws)
• Joining a group for support and accountability
• Discipline equals freedom

Start with small positive changes that make you feel good (see below), then you can add more as time goes on.  1% better habits daily is the compounding interest of self improvement.  Track your habits. Habit tracking is powerful for three reasons. It creates a visual cue that can remind you to act. It is motivating to see the progress you are making. You don’t want to break your streak.

Be aware of your thoughts and feelings when making choices, take a few deep breaths first to calm the mind and body before making a choice and ask yourself: does this choice align with my desired identity?

Don’t be too hard on yourself when you slip up, but try not to miss more than once. Remember, you want that steady climb so you have to keep one foot in front of the other.

Here are nine positive habits to incorporate daily: (or is it better to link to a post we made on IG?)

1. Exercise
2. Gratitude Practice
3. Heartfelt Connections
4. Stretching Breaks
5. Increase Veggie and Fruit Intake
6. Drink More Water
7. Sleep 7-9 Hours
8. Meditate
9. Spend Time in Nature

If you’re ready to incorporate some healthy habits but need support and accountability, our 5-Week Shape Up Program can really get you on the right path.  We give you time to prepare mentally, gather your equipment and create space in your schedule. Please click here for more information about all of the programs we offer. https://www.fluxelife.com/programs

*Add downloadable pdf: How to Create and Sustain Healthy Habits Infographic